SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Kyle Ratliff hit his second home run of the series, but SIUE baseball dropped a 9-2 decision to Missouri State in the finale of a three-game series at Hammons Field Sunday afternoon.

The Bears (7-11) won two of three to win the series. The Cougars fell to 6-12 with the loss.

Missouri State scored a run in the first inning and never trailed in the game, building a 7-0 lead before the Cougars got on the board.

SIUE scored both of its runs in the seventh inning. Ratliff's fourth home run of the season came with two outs. Gage Franck then walked and scored on a double down the left field line by Lane Crowden.

Ratliff was 1-3 with the homer. Crowden also was 1-3. Mack Mitchell, Ryan Niedzwiedz and Brenden Fry each had single hits for the Cougars.

Missouri State scored twice more in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Garrett Helsel (0-2) started and allowed six runs in three innings. He struck out four.

SIUE will play at Illinois State Tuesday. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.